Cherry Blossom Cookies

These Cherry Blossom Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of cherries with the rich flavor of chocolate. Perfect for any occasion, they are not only easy to make but also visually appealing, making them an ideal dessert for gatherings, parties, or simply to enjoy at home. With a soft texture and a burst of cherry flavor, these cookies are sure to impress your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor – The combination of maraschino cherries and rich chocolate provides a unique flavor that everyone will love.
• Versatile Treat – Great for holidays, potlucks, or just a sweet snack at home! You can even customize them with different toppings.
• Visually Appealing – The colorful cherries and chocolate drizzle make these cookies not just tasty but also beautiful on any dessert table.
• Fun to Share – Bake a batch and share them with friends or neighbors. They make for a thoughtful gift!

Tools and Preparation

To prepare delicious Cherry Blossom Cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools to make the process smooth. Having the right equipment makes baking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Cookie scoop
• Baking tray
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer – A powerful mixer helps achieve the right consistency in your cookie dough by thoroughly combining ingredients.
• Cookie scoop – This ensures uniform cookie sizes, promoting even baking for all cookies.
• Baking tray – A sturdy tray is essential for holding your cookies during baking without warping.
• Cooling rack – Using a cooling rack allows air circulation around the cookies, helping them cool evenly without becoming soggy.

Ingredients

These Cherry Blossom Cookies require simple yet delightful ingredients that come together to create an irresistible treat.

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• 2 ½ cups flour
• 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries

For Topping

• ¼ cup sugar
• 24 Hershey kisses
• 2 ounces chocolate chips – optional

How to Make Cherry Blossom Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the maraschino cherry juice and almond extract, mixing until well combined.
3. Gradually add in the flour, mixing slowly until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Fold in Cherries

1. Using a spatula, gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

1. Use a cookie scoop to portion out even-sized balls of dough.
2. Roll each ball in sugar, coating them well before placing them on a baking tray.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

1. Once all cookies are shaped, place them in the refrigerator to chill for 20-30 minutes before baking.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2. Bake cookies for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.

Step 6: Add Hershey Kisses

1. Immediately after removing from the oven, transfer cookies to a cooling rack.
2. Press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each warm cookie; wiggle slightly so it sticks well.

Step 7: Optional Chocolate Drizzle

1. If desired, melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth.
2. Place melted chocolate into a small piping bag or squeeze bottle and drizzle over cooled cookies before serving.

Enjoy your beautifully crafted Cherry Blossom Cookies!

How to Serve Cherry Blossom Cookies

Cherry Blossom Cookies make for a delightful treat, perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these cookies can be served in numerous creative ways.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berries: Pair your cookies with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Sliced Apples: The crispness of apple slices complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

On a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment: Arrange Cherry Blossom Cookies with other cookies like chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin for a colorful dessert platter.
• Decorative Touches: Add edible flowers or sprigs of mint to elevate the presentation.

As Party Favors

• Gift Bags: Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbon for guests to take home as sweet memories from your event.
• Personalized Tags: Include a small tag with the recipe name or a heartfelt message.

With Ice Cream

• Scoop of Vanilla: Serve warm cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert experience.
• Cherry Sorbet: Enhance the cherry flavor by pairing with cherry sorbet for added sweetness and fruitiness.

How to Perfect Cherry Blossom Cookies

To ensure your Cherry Blossom Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough before baking. This helps maintain their shape and enhances flavor.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened properly. This allows for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than light and fluffy ones.
• Press Kisses Gently: When pressing the Hershey Kisses into the cookies, do so gently to avoid breaking them while ensuring they stick well.
• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. Every oven is different, so check them a minute or two early if unsure.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Blossom Cookies

Pairing side dishes with Cherry Blossom Cookies can enhance your overall dining experience. Here are some excellent suggestions to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a creamy, crunchy accompaniment that complements the cookie’s flavors.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory contrast to the sweet cherry flavors.
4. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These elegant treats mirror the cookie’s richness while adding an extra layer of indulgence.
5. Nut Mixes: A bowl of mixed nuts offers crunch and saltiness that pairs well with sweet desserts.
6. Chai Tea or Herbal Tea: A warm cup of tea can enhance the entire cookie experience, providing warmth and comfort alongside sweets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cherry Blossom Cookies can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common pitfalls will ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.

• Bold ingredient measurements: Not measuring ingredients correctly can lead to inconsistent results. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
• Bold not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can cause your cookies to spread too much while baking. Always refrigerate the dough for at least 20-30 minutes.
• Bold overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make your cookies tough. Mix just until combined to keep them tender.
• Bold ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can alter the texture and taste of your cookies. Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for best results.
• Bold forgetting to check for doneness: Relying solely on baking time may lead to undercooked or overbaked cookies. Check for a light golden color and firm edges.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cherry Blossom Cookies

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
• Can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Cherry Blossom Cookies

• Bold Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Bold Microwave: Heat cookies individually on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds.
• Bold Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 1 minute to warm through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cherry Blossom Cookies.

What are Cherry Blossom Cookies?

Cherry Blossom Cookies are sweet cherry-flavored treats topped with Hershey Kisses and optionally drizzled with chocolate, making them irresistible.

How do I make Cherry Blossom Cookies more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by adding more almond extract or mixing in different types of nuts or dried fruits.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries in my Cherry Blossom Cookie Recipe?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but be sure to chop them finely and adjust the sugar if needed, as they may not be as sweet as maraschino cherries.

Are there any easy variations of Cherry Blossom Cookies?

Absolutely! You can try adding coconut flakes or swapping out the chocolate drizzle for white chocolate.

How do I store leftover Cherry Blossom Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

These Cherry Blossom Cookies are not only charming but also versatile, allowing you to customize flavors and toppings. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to impress everyone. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these delightful treats!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Cherry Blossom Cookies

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• Author: Saphira
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful taste of Cherry Blossom Cookies, a sweet treat that perfectly marries the flavors of cherries and chocolate. These cookies are easy to make, visually appealing, and ideal for any occasion—from casual snacking at home to festive gatherings. Each cookie is soft and packed with the vibrant essence of maraschino cherries, topped with a Hershey Kiss for an extra touch of sweetness. With customizable options for toppings and flavors, Cherry Blossom Cookies are sure to impress your friends and family.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup softened butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries
• ¼ cup sugar
• 24 Hershey kisses
• 2 ounces chocolate chips (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in the maraschino cherry juice and almond extract until well combined.
3. Gradually add the flour, mixing until fully incorporated.
4. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
5. Use a cookie scoop to shape even balls of dough, roll them in sugar, and place them on a baking tray.
6. Chill the cookie dough for 20-30 minutes before baking.
7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake cookies for about 10 minutes until lightly golden.
8. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack and press a Hershey Kiss into each warm cookie.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 45mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg